It\u2019s been a long season for Wout van Aert \u2014 and definitely a roller coaster. After a year plagued with crashes, his 2025 campaign was hardly straightforward either. He had several podiums in the spring, including at the Classics, but a win eluded him.<\/p>\n
Then, just before his first Giro d\u2019Italia, he fell ill. Before the race began, he admitted he was unsure of his form. He finished second on the first stage. Fans wondered if he could grab the pink jersey the next day in the time trial. But it was clear his form wasn\u2019t quite there, as he finished well out of contention.<\/p>\n
As the Giro went on, he regained some fitness \u2014 then took an incredible win in the Strade Bianche-style stage. He got away with Isaac Del Toro and held on for dear life on the tough climb into Siena, eventually passing him for a well-earned win.<\/p>\n
At the Tour de France, he was relatively quiet in the first week. Many wondered if the Van Aert of old would return. He took second place on Stage 8, behind Jonathan Milan of Lidl\u2013Trek \u2014 a confidence booster, no doubt.<\/p>\n
Wout van Aert did something the day after the Tour he deeply regrets<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n But it was Stage 21 where the Visma\u2013Lease a Bike rider showed why he\u2019s still got it. On the tough Montmartre stage<\/a>, on the final time up, he dropped none other than Tadej Poga\u010dar to take an inspiring victory.<\/p>\n There was hope he might race the European championships in France \u2014 and distant hope for the world championships in Rwanda. Both are quite hilly courses \u2014 especially the worlds \u2014 so it was unclear if they would suit him. As it turns out, he\u2019ll be skipping both. But his season is far from over.<\/p>\n